Roberto De Zerbi Appointed as Tottenham Hotspur Manager
Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach, the Premier League club has confirmed. The 45-year-old Italian has signed a long-term contract with Spurs and has been tasked with rebuilding the club's fortunes after a difficult season. De Zerbi arrives from Olympique de Marseille, where he departed by mutual consent just weeks ago.
De Zerbi's move to North London comes after a tumultuous end to his tenure at Marseille. In his first public comments since the move, the coach expressed regret over his abrupt departure from France. "I was at Marseille. And for me, Marseille was a special place. I haven't said goodbye to my former supporters, to my former club, because I didn't want to create any controversy," De Zerbi said in a press conference ahead of Tottenham's match against Sunderland.
His departure from Marseille was officially by 'mutual consent', but the Italian has admitted to struggling with the manner of his exit. The move to Tottenham marks a swift and unexpected return to management for the Italian, who has been tasked with a 'rescue mission' at the London club following a disappointing campaign. Tottenham finished the season in a disappointing mid-table position, leading to the dismissal of their previous manager.
De Zerbi also addressed a separate controversy that followed him from France, concerning his past public support for Mason Greenwood during their time together at Marseille. "I was not surprised, but a little disappointed, because I'm sorry that someone felt offended," De Zerbi stated. He further clarified his stance, stating his opposition to all forms of violence and sexism, adding that as a father to a daughter, the issue was personal to him.
The appointment signals a new direction for Tottenham, who will be looking to the Italian's tactical acumen to revive the club's fortunes. De Zerbi is expected to implement his possession-based, attacking style of play. The move also provides the manager with a high-profile platform in the Premier League, following his work in Ligue 1 and Serie A. The first major challenge for the new manager will be to unite the squad and implement his philosophy ahead of the new season, with the club's supporters expecting a significant improvement in results and style of play.
